WaterFirst
Program Description | Downloads & Related Links | Contact Information
Program Description
The Department of Community Affairs' community water initiative, WaterFirst, is:
- a voluntary partnership between local governments, state agencies and other organizations working together to increase the quality of life in communities through the wise management and protection of water resources;
- a proactive approach to water resources that makes the connection between land use and water quality and quantity;
- thinking beyond political boundaries, recognizing the inextricable links created by shared water resources, and considering the watershed as a whole;
- pursuing and rewarding environmental excellence beyond what is required by law in the management and protection of water resources; and
- an important step that communities can take to protect valuable water resources for both environmental and economic benefits today and tomorrow.
Some communities will already qualify for designation and recognition as WaterFirst, having met specified criteria, while others will require assistance in addressing the complex and challenging water issues that exist within the state. There are eight major components of the WaterFirst Program, and the extent to which the participants will need to address each one will be dependent on the size of the community and the water-related services that it provides. The components are:
- Watershed Assessment;
- Stormwater Master Planning;
- Water Supply Planning;
- Water Supply Protection;
- Water Conservation;
- Wastewater Treatment Systems and Management;
- Residual Biosolids; and
- Water Reclamation and Reuse.
Downloads & Related Links
2008 WaterFirst Application Checklist
WaterFirst Designated Communities
Contact Information
For more information, email the Office of Environmental Management or call 912-704-4136.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
60 Executive Park South, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2231
